Customer Reviews
Fun to read and illustrative as well! 
2008-09-28
First of all, the pictures in this book are great, and for that alone it is worth buying.
With each picture Joe tells a small story on how he got to the picture. Some reviewers were expecting a closely detailed "how to", and this is not it.
But just as photography is not about the gear alone (a good camera does not automatically make you a good photographer), it is also not just about technique.
So, there are no lighting diagrams in the book, no setups like "two flashes here and a reflector there". But a lot of tongue in cheek stories. Why film actors don't like their picture taken, how to get the right props, what NOT to do when shooting college sports stars, how to deal with police disrupting a shoot, etc.
I once made a portrait of my coworkers son. She said it was his best portrait ever - showing his true smile and not the fake one he always had in pictures. This book will get you a feeling (among other things) on how to get that true smile out of people.
Great book 
2008-09-26
Note that the majority of people that don't like this book explicitly mention Kelby's books. That should speak volumes to experienced photographers and photo editors.
If you love Scott Kelby books then this probably isn't the book for you. It isn't filled with lousy jokes and simple formulas. You have to have some base photographic knowledge to pull off complex shots and you'll never get there with simple formulas. No ... it isn't a beginner book like Kelby's drivel so don't buy it if that's what you're into.
The Moment It Clicks by Joe McNally 2008-09-15
Now just how did Joe McNally get to the top?
Take a look and see :)
For not being a how-to book, I've been getting a lot of info about lighting. I like that.
Great stories also.
Grab it if you are interested in various light conditions and solutions.
Worth the price for me.
He does it in his blog, why wont he do it here? 
2008-09-12
There's no question on the competence of Joe McNally. The pictures are impeccable in this book. But indeed he should have done more to teach.
Although some are drawn on tissue paper, in his blog you can see lighting diagrams (where to place the flashes/softboxes). He also show some behind-the-scene pictures on how even the backdrop was set-up along with a commentary on what was the assignment for and the theme he wants to achieve. He should have done the same in this book.
I think the problem was in the decision to make a coffee table and tutorial book in one. Should have selected just one objective, to satisfy fully that purpose?
I hope Joe will write another book with more tutoring. Doesnt have to be a tell-all, spoonfeeding stuff. Just something you can follow and experiment with--again, similar to what he writes in his bog.
Inspirational 2008-09-07
If you use or are interested in using off camera lighting, this is a must read. Why would you? Photography is about light and McNally teachs how to modify or change existing light so you are not stuck with the poor or boring light you find. McNally is an artist with light. His writing style is enjoyable and is humor makes this an easy read yet this is packed with information. This book was the brainchild of Scott Kelby, and even goes beyond his on line seminars taking a subject that could be dry and makes it enjoyable reading. This book received alot of hoopla about its release- with good reason. Read this with Lowell's Matter of Light and Depth for structured instruction and the Strobist website for portable, inexpensive gear and your photography will move to an entirely different level.
Great inside view on profesional photography 2008-09-07
THE FIRST BOOK WITH ONE FOOT ON THE COFFEE TABLE, AND ONE FOOT IN THE
CLASSROOM
Joe McNally, one of the world’s top pro digital photographers, whose celebrated work has graced the pages of Sports Illustrated, Time, and National Geographic (to name a few), breaks new ground by doing something no photography book has ever done—blending the rich, stunning images and elegant layout of a coffee-table book with the invaluable training, no-nonsense insights, and photography secrets usually found only in those rare, best-of-breed educational books.
When Joe’s not on assignment for the biggest-name magazines and Fortune 500 clients, he’s in the classroom teaching location lighting, environmental portraiture, and how to “get the shot” at workshops around the world. These on-location workshops are usually reserved for a handful of photographers each year, but now you can learn the same techniques that Joe shares in his seminars and lectures in a book that brings Joe’s sessions to life.
What makes the book so unique is the “triangle of learning” where (1) Joe distills the concept down to one brief sentence. It usually starts with something like, “An editor at National Geographic once told me…” and then he shares one of those hard-earned tricks of the trade that you only get from spending a lifetime behind the lens. Then, (2) on the facing page is one of Joe’s brilliant images that perfectly illustrates the technique (you’ll recognize many of his photos from magazine covers). And (3) you get the inside story of how that shot was taken, including which equipment he used (lens, f/stop, lighting, accessories, etc.), along with the challenges that type of project brings, and how to set up a shot like that of your own.
This book also gives you something more. It inspires. It challenges. It informs. But perhaps most importantly, it will help you understand photography and the art of making great photos at a level you never thought possible. This book is packed with those “Ah ha!” moments—those clever insights that make it all come together for you. It brings you that wonderful moment when it suddenly all makes sense—that “moment it clicks.”
Pretty, but doesn't explain how. 2008-09-05
Although the photos in this book a great there is minimal information on how to set the photo up. In addition, most of the hints are not for the beginner or tourist as they involve light boxes and various other pieces of equipment. I was disappointed with this book. If you're interested in learning more about the composition of a photo (with your camera as your only piece of equipment) I would suggest The Photographer's Eye by Freeman. I bought these two books at the same time and have found Freeman's book very instructive, although there are many other how-to books on composition that are probably just as good. But as for McNally's book, its now on my coffee table amongst the other pretty to look at books.
Inspiring, Perfect 2008-09-02
I found Mr. McNally on Nikonusa.com, was looking at all the different photographs taken on it, as i frequently look for official press release, and non(lol), on the nikon site and other sites. I happened to see the photograph of the firefighter from NYC,NY, and instantly fell inlove with his work. I read on, looking at websites, finally i found his, and then his blog. it was amazing. This book continues to show his great career, and life, as a photographer. This is not a book about how to become ansel adams, joe mcnally, or yousof karsh, its merely an inspirational, i did it this way, can you see that mistake(?), these are my life experiences, book. It brings you to laughs, tears, and amazement. At how one man, was able to tackle, what so many of us photographers want to have, a successful, proud career, where your work is admired by millions.
A fun read. 2008-09-01
This was a great read. It mixes a lot of the "practical" behind the scenes aspects of putting a shoot together with the technical parts of how the shot was taken. McNally is frank about the hardships and sacrifices of trying to become a professional photographer and doesn't pull any punches about the effects on his family life. But for the most part the book is light hearted and fun to read. It's probably not the best book on the technical aspects of lighting/photography, but if you have any interest in portrait/slice-of-life photography you'll definitely enjoy this.
Great Narrative, Tips May Require Some Working Knowledge. 2008-09-01
This book if filled with brilliant images, and some great auto-biographical narration. However, while some of his explanations may work for beginners, I feel that most may become frustrated without some more in-depth information. As a senior, working on a BFA in photography, I found this book to be incredibly helpful and insightful, but it does require some foreknowledge. I am looking forward to discussing some of these things with my professors, so that I can better achieve some of the techniques that he discusses. A couple of years ago, though, I think that I may have been disappointed, and unable to get much from the book. Certainly, any experience level could appreciate and learn some amount from this book. I think it's important to keep in mind that, really, no photograph should be replicated just for replication's sake. Is it realistic to apply this knowledge to my photographs? Yes! Would I try to copy exact ideas, etc? No. I just don't see the point of reinventing an identical wheel. If that's your intent when thinking of buying this book, I don't think you'll find it satisfactory. Just my honest opinion....
-E
